You Are Welcome and I Thank You.

I got a note out out of the clear blue thanking me for not tearing her down as a young African American Woman that is trying to learn about life. I saw her as a focused young woman that inspired me by her journey of faith and her decision to attend a Christian College in order to stay connected. She invited me to attend a Bible Study and to my surprise there were a lot of young people that were on a similar path and excited about what God was doing their lives. [Read more…]

One of the Many Blessings for the Year

Central Illinois Business Magazine
40 under 40 Winner

Shandra Summerville, 38

summerville-shandra

Community involvement: Urbana schools TALKS mentor; Canaan’s Women’s Safe House steering committee; Champaign County NAACP executive committee; participant in United Way of Champaign County’s Emerging Community Leaders program; 2010 eBlack CU Difference Maker; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.; National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health; Walk as ONE Community Coalition; active member of Canaan Baptist Church.

Proudest professional accomplishment: I was accepted into the Georgetown University Leadership Academy to Address Disparities in Mental Health Care.

I attribute my success to: My faith, my family and my friends, and the ability to work with different personalities with big ideas on a limited budget.

Important professional lesson: Never burn bridges. You may have to cross them again.

A word from the nominator: “She is an outstanding leader. She also is committed to community service. She strives to give back in all that she does and always with a smile.” — Christopher Hamb, owner of Chrisp Media LLC and friend of the nominee

(Central Illinois Business Magazine November Issue)